Step-by-Step Guide to Diapering

09-07-2015

By Chikitsa

A new born comes with lot of duties and diapering stands first in the list. Diapering a baby is one task that needs to be mastered quickly because it might be an hourly task for you initially. Babies poop and urinate too many times in their early weeks and you must always keep a check on soiled diapers. We have a step-by-step guide to diapering your baby successfully without making mistakes. Follow this and become a master!

Buying diapers – All diapers, cloth or disposable, come in different sizes depending upon the weights of babies. Newborn (0 to 3kgs), small (3 to 7kgs), medium (7 to 10kgs), large (10 to 14kgs), extra large (14 to 22kgs) and double extra large (22 to 25kgs) are the regular sizes available everywhere. Based on your baby’s weight you can choose them.

Cloth or disposable diapers – The debate between using cloth or disposable diapers for a baby seems to continue forever. Many mothers vouch by cloth diapers because of the comfort and hygiene they provide but some of them feel disposable ones are the best for the only fact that there is no washing and drying activity involved. Sehat.com paediatricians recommend cloth diapers during the early weeks of a newborn because it is the only way to find out if the baby is urinating frequently or not. Disposable diapers absorb the liquid and make it difficult for inspection.

Moreover, a newborn’s skin is extremely tender and dry. Cloth diapers are soft and do not cause rashes or other skin problems. Once the baby’s poop and urine patterns are established, you can use the disposable ones. However, during travel or outings, disposable diapers are the best. Choose diapers that absorb liquid fast and keep the bottom dry. Watch for leaks and if they continue, switch brands or move to the next size. Diapers must not be too tight or loose so just ensure you pick the right size.

Limiting diaper usage - Toilet training and bidding goodbye to diapers is a major milestone for a baby. After the first birthday, when the toddler walks confidently, you can teach him to pee and poop in the bathroom and slowly get over diaper usage. Since bladder control too is developed, kids do not have the urge to pee often. Another reason why you should limit diaper usage is because they separate the kid’s thighs while walking or running and cause a deformity in the thigh and leg structure. This makes the baby walk a little differently, fall frequently and injure himself. Since diapers are costly too, you can save decently in the financial front by controlling diapers.

Dealing with diaper rash – Every mother dreads the idea of a diaper rash and prays such a day should never come. When a diaper is left for too long on a baby’s bottom, it can cause the skin to break into small pus-filled bumps and bring a rash on the skin. This can turn very serious if it is not spotted and treated on time. Keep checking the diaper from time-to-time and change it if is wet or contains poop. Give strict instructions to your child’s day care to change the diaper regularly. Studies revealed that cleaning the baby’s bums with skin wipes and letting them dry every now and then will minimise diaper rashes.